Agustin Soto
Agustin was awarded the University of Auckland Foundation Pathway High Achiever Award after completing a foundation programme for international students. He is now completing a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), specialising in Mechatronics Engineering.
"I wanted to have an impactful career, and when I finished high school in 2019, the University of Auckland was ranked by Times Higher Education as the most impactful university." Agustin believed that studying at an institution renowned for its significant contributions to society would provide him with the opportunities and inspiration to make a meaningful difference in his career.
One of the aspects he values about his programme is the combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, which has been valuable in preparing for his future career, giving him a deeper understanding of his chosen field. "I have worked on real-life projects like my part 4 research project and also as an engineering intern."
"I have found supportive friends, and lecturers that really care about you and want to see you succeed." The university offers opportunities to get involved in various activities, from joining clubs to participating in innovation and leadership programmes. "I have never felt like an outsider here at the university. Everyone is kind and supportive." This welcoming environment has made his experience as an international student incredibly positive.
"What I enjoy the most about Auckland is all the different things you can do like going to the beach, hiking, shopping, and tasting delicious food." The city's vibrant lifestyle and beautiful natural surroundings provide a perfect balance to academic life, offering numerous ways to relax and explore during his free time.
A change for him since coming here to study is his "mindset about sustainability has shifted 180 degrees. I am much more aware of our environmental impact and the things I can do to decrease my carbon footprint."